In its fourth year, the annual Syngenta Photo Competition event attracted its highest ever number of entries generating some very interesting and eye-catching submissions. The 2007 categories for the theme “The Spirit of Agriculture” were Patterns and Colors in Agriculture, Celebrating Agriculture and Care of the Land.
Judged on the basis of creativity, photographic quality and category compliance, three winners were chosen by Marcus Lyon, a professional UK based photographer, with the support of a Syngenta panel.
Living in Budapest with a dream to become a professional photographer, Zoltán Balogh from Hungary is overjoyed at being the 2007 first prize winner. Interested in photography since only two years ago, Zoltán submitted his winning photograph titled “Still Life in Tès” to the “Care of the Land” category. Shot in Hungary’s unique Bakony highland area near Lake Balaton, Zoltán explained, “On a sunny summer’s evening, we set out to take some landscape shots here as there are two preserved wind mills from centuries ago. When I saw this carriage approaching from far away, I waited for the perfect composition and shot. Later at home I converted the original photo to black and white.”
With a deep interest in travel pictures and still lives, Zoltán’s efforts are rewarded with the 1500 Amazon dollars first prize. “The quality of this year’s submissions has improved greatly, making the overall choice very difficult” explained Marcus Lyon, and adding to Zoltán Balogh’s success.
Family inspiration
Wherever Syngenta operates, it aims to contribute to sustainable agriculture in the production of healthy food and the conservation of biodiversity. As second prize winner Mieko Ohno from Japan shows, this goal seems to be surely adopted within the Ohno family. Also submitted within the “Care of the Land” category, the winning photograph shows the story of Ms Ohno’s sons learning about sweet potatoes from their grandparents. “My parents felt it is well worth growing sweet potatoes as the children enjoy them very much. I then cook them by deep fry (Tempura) and also share them with the neighbors,” explained Mieko Ohno from her parents’ Kyushu countryside home. “I would like to dig potatoes again” explained the son, as a fall afternoon proved a memorable experience for the family.
Previously a member of a photography circle, Ms Ohno has been taking photographs as a hobby for over ten years. “This photo makes me smile” commented Marcus as he explained how the human element brings an added feeling to the photo. Mieko Ohno’s efforts are rewarded with 1000 Amazon dollars.
Close to home
Some say the best photos are often captured on holiday, at special events or at unexpected moments. For third prize winner Rainer Mirau, however, home provided the perfect setting. The winning photograph submitted within the “Patterns & Colors” category is from Austria’s Baden area, south of Vienna. “What pleases me in particular is that this picture was taken only a couple of kilometers from my home and not on one of my trips to Scandinavia or the Alps” explained Rainer. Taken with a Canon 20D on a tripod, Marcus Lyon believed that the picture “made good use of colors, bringing the photo to life”.
“Photographing since my youth, it is the best type of distraction from my busy everyday lifestyle where I work in the pharmaceutical industry” continued Rainer. Landscape subjects, historic buildings and castles are all subjects of interest for Rainer Mirau as he looks forward to his 500 Amazon dollars.
Last but not least
With over 220 photos submitted to the 2007 Syngenta photo competition, Marcus Lyon and the Syngenta panel had to work hard in selecting the winning three. “Some pictures made me giggle, some made me smile and some made very good connections. The pure volume of submissions made the competition spark” explained Marcus Lyon, leading us to Specially Commend a further four photographs. With high regard, these are for Stefanie Gloor, (Switzerland, “Care of the Land”) Mitsuo Asano (Japan, “Celebrating Agriculture”) Zoltán Balogh (Hungary, “Patterns & Colors”) and Rainer Mirau (Austria, “Care of the Land”).
Congratulations!
“Impressed by the scale and breadth of the photographic community alive and thriving around the world of Syngenta” Marcus Lyon and Syngenta would like to congratulate and thank everyone for their efforts and submissions. With the 2008 competition yet to be underway, there is still plenty of time to snap away and potentially secure the next winning photograph!
We will be back with further inspirational categories for 2008 and look forward to seeing you all then.
